Kentucky vs. Georgetown: Clash of Titans Promises Unforgettable Showdown—Can Underdogs Upset the Odds?

Thursday night at Rupp Arena is shaping up to be a real sparkplug for Big Blue Nation. The Kentucky Wildcats, fresh off dismantling preseason No. 1 Purdue with a resounding 78–65 victory, are gearing up for their final exhibition showdown, hosting a gritty Georgetown Hoyas squad led by Ed Cooley. In just his second season, Mark Pope’s Wildcats have already shown flashes—no, more than flashes—of what could be an elite two-way team, buzzing with defensive tenacity and offensive firepower that’s got everyone talking months ahead of the regular season opener. This clash isn’t just an exhibition; it’s Kentucky’s last best chance to sharpen the edges, test their lineup’s chemistry, and lay down a marker before the real games tip off. Meanwhile, Georgetown, with a revamped roster and a defensive mindset under Cooley’s steady hand, is out to prove that last year’s struggles are firmly behind them. It promises to be a hard-nosed, high-energy battle, the kind that gives fans a taste of what’s to come — intensity, strategy, and player matchups that could define the season. Don’t miss a moment of this electric encounter. LEARN MORE

The Kentucky Wildcats return to Rupp Arena for their final exhibition matchup on Thursday night, hosting Ed Cooley’s Georgetown Hoyas at 7:00 PM ET on SEC Network+.

Fresh off an impressive 78–65 beatdown of preseason No. 1 Purdue. In Mark Pope’s second season, the Kentucky squad looks ahead of schedule, showing elite defensive energy, improved rebounding, and flashes of how lethal the offense can be, and that has Big Blue Nation buzzing just one week before the regular season tips off.

This matchup gives Kentucky another opportunity to refine its rotations and chemistry against a major non-conference opponent. Georgetown, under second-year head coach Ed Cooley, provides a physical, defensive-minded challenge, the type of test Pope’s team needs before opening the season against Nicholls.

The Hoyas went 9–23 (2–18 Big East) in Cooley’s first season, but in his second season, they looked like a completely different team, finishing 18–16 (8–12 in the Big East) with a completely retooled roster featuring multiple high-level transfers.

Cooley’s trademark grit and discipline were on full display during their 73-64 exhibition win over George Washington.

Georgetown Scouting Report & Stats

Caleb Williams (20 points) — 8-of-11 shooting from the floor, 4-of-7 from three, six rebounds. The sophomore led Georgetown in scoring and efficiency.

Malik Mack (16 points, 5-for-8 FG, 5-for-7 FT) — dynamic scorer and playmaker, contributing four assists and two steals.

KJ Lewis (6 points, 6 rebounds) — despite a rough shooting night (2-for-11), his athleticism and defensive versatility remain a threat.

Julius Halaifonua (6 points, 2 rebounds) — strong interior presence and rim protector.

Kayvaun Mulready (12 points, 4-for-7 from three) — provided a shooting spark off the bench.

Vince Iwuchukwu (3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block) — defensive anchor and challenging matchup inside.

Team Performance

Georgetown shot 44.3% from the field, 36% from three, and 52.6% from the free-throw line while totaling 73 points, 40 rebounds, and 24 bench points. The Hoyas scored 30 points in the paint, 15 on fast breaks, and 11 off turnovers, showing depth and balance throughout their roster.

Kentucky Keys to Watch

Defensive Consistency Kentucky’s defense could define its title ceiling. After holding Purdue to 65 points, another strong defensive showing will reinforce this identity.
Offensive Flow Without LoweWith Jaland Lowe still limited, Denzel Aberdeen and Otega Oweh are likely to share lead-guard duties. How Pope balances tempo and half-court execution will be key.
Frontcourt BattleBrandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno will face Georgetown’s Iwuchukwu and Halaifonua inside. Kentucky’s interior presence could define the outcome in the paint.
Bench ImpactLook for Jasper Johnson, Kam Williams, and Collin Chandler to solidify second-unit roles while adding energy and scoring off the bench.

What to Expect

Expect another high-energy outing at Rupp Arena as Kentucky looks to close its exhibition slate with momentum. Pope’s team is showing early signs of elite two-way balance — athleticism, depth, and a defensive identity that looks sustainable.

For Georgetown, the game will test their half-court execution and depth against one of the nation’s top teams. For Kentucky, it’s the final tune-up before the season opener, a chance to polish rotations, reinforce chemistry, and keep fans excited about the season ahead.

Kentucky Basketball vs. Georgetown Hoyas

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time: 7 PM ET

Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY

TV Channel: SEC Network

Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app

Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.

Replay: WatchESPN

Rosters: UK | Georgetown

KenPom: UK | Georgetown

Team Sheet: UK | Georgetown

Last Matchup: March 31, 1984, Georgetown beat Kentucky 53-40.

All-Time Series: Kentucky trails the series 0-2.

Prediction: After what Kentucky showed against Purdue, the No. 1 team in the country, the Wildcats should win this game with ease. If they don’t win by double digits, it would be a nightmare.

Final Score: Kentucky 82, Georgetown 68

With another statement win, Kentucky will be geared up for its first game of the year against Nicholls on Tuesday, November 4.